30th July 2011

Clear last night and sunny this morning but there was still a Willow Warbler arrival overnight which unlike yesterday seemed to be over by 08.00hrs, although another small number later appeared about noon. Many Swallows were flying low for the insects this morning and one was captured in the Newton, and during the day 3 others were seen briefly entering and exiting the same trap. Seven Sand Martins, 5 House Martins and 2 Swifts added variety overhead, also 2 dark phase Arctic Skuas flew across the top of the island and went for some Sandwich terns on the east side. A male Stonechat was seen flying passed the obs but could not be found again anywhere on the island. A single Wheatear on the west side early in the day also did not stay, but 2 more were on Middle during the morning. A total of 35 Little Terns were logged, sightings have been late this autumn, apparently due to a late end to breeding at Gronant. Gannets appeared in ones and twos, otherwise the sea was quiet. Ringed:- 13 Willow Warblers, 1 Swallow, 1 Blackbird, 1 Linnet, 1 Meadow Pipit.
(DB,AEH,CJ+VB,NDW) [681-40] photo AEH